Metal roofs are one of the best options for the construction of residential properties. Although there are many other materials, metal roofs are affordable and last longer to offer you value for your money. However, metal roofs are prone to rust, especially in moist environments and bad weather conditions.
If your property is located in a location where the humidity levels are usually high, or it experienced rains for most time of the year, your roof is susceptible to rust. However, it is possible to restore a rusty roof if the damage is not too much and the roof is not too old. Let us explore the process of restoring a rusty-looking iron roof.
Choose the right time.
Any treatment on a rusty tin roof is best in hot, dry climates. Do not attempt to make repairs in rain or moisture, as this will interfere with the process. It is highly recommended that you check the weather forecast for a full week from an authentic source before starting your project.
Remove rust from a metal roof.
Most of the time, not all rust stains need to be removed before covering a rusty metal roof. Instead, use a pressure washer or light sandblast to remove any loose and chipped rust. Use a pressure washer or sanding machine to remove dirt, mold, and chipped paint from the surface. For stubborn rust, try trisodium phosphate (TSP) to remove it from the metal roof.
You can rent a pressure washer or a sandblaster, but using them on your roof can be a dangerous job, and you may not be able to remove all the rust. It might be worth it to hire a professional to clean your rusty metal roof. When working with professionals, make sure they also use chemical solutions to remove and block mold on the roof.
Clean the surface
After removing the rust, it is imperative that you completely clean the surface before proceeding with other processes. Paint does not adhere well to dirty and dusty surfaces. Therefore, before painting, clean the surface with a strong detergent and a hand cleaning brush to ensure that no dirt or dust adheres to the surface. After washing the cleaning agent with plenty of water, it is important to dry the surface immediately to avoid “rusting film.” Then wipe the surface with a cloth dampened with a little paint thinner.
Apply the Primer
Your surface is now ready for priming. Primer is applied to ensure the longevity of the can surface and ensure that rust does not quickly re-deposit. Apply a coat of red oxide primer to the cleaned area with a roller. Be sure to also cover all crevices and corners with a brush. Wait at least 2 hours for the primer to dry. Then apply a second coat of primer and let it dry overnight. This process is best performed when the sun is high in the sky, so the primers have good sunlight to dry completely.
Paint the surface
After the primer is completely dry, you can paint the roof with acrylic latex paint using a roller or brush. Allow the first coat of paint to dry for 6 hours, before applying a second coat. Leave the paint to dry for at least 24 hours in warm weather and 48 hours in cold weather.
Roof Renovation or Replacement
This is recommended if there is a lot of rust, especially if the roof is dripping. If so, contact a professional roofer who specializes in metal roofing to check your roof. Brisbane Roof and Paint recommend that you restore or replace your roof with a layer of corrosion-resistant coating. They follow a process in which the rust areas are coated with a rust converter. If you are located in Queensland, Australia, you can contact them for complete roof repair, restoration, or replacement.
Final Words
These were some steps to restore a rusty metal roof for any property. It is best to hire a professional roof restoration service as it is challenging to do it yourself. Professional workers have the skills, equipment, and experience to perform roof restoration, and some of them may also offer a warranty for their work.
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